The registration deadline to vote on whether to approve a franchise extension with EPCOR Water is Monday, Oct. 4.

EPCOR is one of six water providers in the city of Surprise, and it serves about one-third of Surprise residences and businesses.

The service area includes homes north of Bell Road, those west of Loop 303 and Coyote Lakes in the east.

The Nov. 2 election will not change EPCOR’s service area. Approval would allow EPCOR to construct, maintain and operate a potable water delivery system and a wastewater collection, treatment and disposal system throughout the city public rights-of-way. 

The franchise does not grant authority to change the utility rate. 

Voters approved a 25-year agreement with EPCOR Water in 1995, but it must be extended to allow for continued use. 

If approved, EPCOR would pay a 2% franchise fee to the city, the same percent it paid under the previous agreement. That money goes into the city’s General Fund, which pays for public safety, parks, street maintenance and more.

This will be a mail ballot election for all city of Surprise voters, regardless of their water providers. All registered voters in Surprise will be mailed a ballot.

Other important dates include Oct. 6, the day ballots are mailed and Oct. 22 the last day to request a ballot in the mail.

The last day to mail back a ballot is Oct. 26 to make it on time for election day.

For information on this election and to view the proposed franchise agreement, visit surpriseaz.gov/electionnews.